How the pokies jackpot is formed: from a bet to a million
Published: April 29, 2025
Jackpot is a word that excites the imagination of players. It is associated with instant wealth, incredible luck and an epic moment when everything coincides. But how exactly is the jackpot formed? Who pays for it, how many players contribute, how are the chances of winning determined and does everything really depend only on luck?
In this article, we will explain in detail how jackpots are arranged in slots, what they are and where millions in prize pools come from.
What is the jackpot?
The jackpot is a large win that can be obtained as a result of a certain combination of characters, getting into a bonus game or a random trigger. Unlike regular winnings, it is not fixed (in most cases) and can grow.
The main types of jackpots
1. Fixed Jackpot
Always the same amount, regardless of the number of bets.
Example: a slot with a jackpot of 5,000 coins at the maximum bet.
2. Progressive Jackpot
Grows with every bet made by the players.
Usually tied to a network of slots or a provider.
Can reach millions of dollars.
3. Local Progressive
The jackpot only accumulates in one casino or specific version of the slot.
The size is smaller, but the chance is higher.
4. Network Progressive
All bets from different casinos and countries go to a single fund.
Пример: Mega Moolah, Divine Fortune, Age of the Gods.
5. Tiered jackpot
Several levels (Mini, Minor, Major, Grand), as in Lightning Link or Jackpot King.
Different levels are activated under different conditions.
How exactly does the progressive jackpot stack up?
The principle is simple:
Example:
Important: the rest of the bet goes to the formation of ordinary winnings and the "income" of the provider/casino.
Who pays the jackpot?
Fixed jackpots are paid by the casino or gaming operator
Progressive network jackpots - paid by the provider (for example, Microgaming, NetEnt), since the fund belongs to them
In local progressive slots - payments can be made by both the casino and the developer, depending on the license and contract
When and how does the jackpot work?
Random trigger - jackpot can be activated regardless of symbols
Combination of characters - a certain rare line (for example, 5 jokers on an active line)
Bonus game - getting into a special round where the player selects cells or spins the wheel
Bet size can affect probability: the higher the bet, the higher the chance of winning the jackpot (but this is not always the rule!)
Honesty and control
All jackpots and slots are certified by independent audit companies:
Example of calculation:
Let's say there is a 96% RTP slot, of which:
If players bet $500,000 per day:
Interesting facts:
Conclusion
Jackpot formation is an integral part of the slot machine business model. It's a way to create a dream and motivation to keep playing. Everything is transparent, statistically calculated and controlled.
But the main thing is that the jackpot is not just about money. This is about excitement, expectation, emotions. It is behind this that millions of players return to the slots again and again.
Do you want to know in which slots jackpots most often fall or how to choose a slot with the best chance of skidding? - see our sections with an analysis of popular machines!
In this article, we will explain in detail how jackpots are arranged in slots, what they are and where millions in prize pools come from.
What is the jackpot?
The jackpot is a large win that can be obtained as a result of a certain combination of characters, getting into a bonus game or a random trigger. Unlike regular winnings, it is not fixed (in most cases) and can grow.
The main types of jackpots
1. Fixed Jackpot
Always the same amount, regardless of the number of bets.
Example: a slot with a jackpot of 5,000 coins at the maximum bet.
2. Progressive Jackpot
Grows with every bet made by the players.
Usually tied to a network of slots or a provider.
Can reach millions of dollars.
3. Local Progressive
The jackpot only accumulates in one casino or specific version of the slot.
The size is smaller, but the chance is higher.
4. Network Progressive
All bets from different casinos and countries go to a single fund.
Пример: Mega Moolah, Divine Fortune, Age of the Gods.
5. Tiered jackpot
Several levels (Mini, Minor, Major, Grand), as in Lightning Link or Jackpot King.
Different levels are activated under different conditions.
How exactly does the progressive jackpot stack up?
The principle is simple:
💡With each bet of the player, a certain percentage (usually from 1% to 5%) goes to the jackpot fund.
Example:
- Slot takes 3% off every $1 bet
- 1 million bets = $30,000
- This money is added to the current jackpot value
Important: the rest of the bet goes to the formation of ordinary winnings and the "income" of the provider/casino.
Who pays the jackpot?
Fixed jackpots are paid by the casino or gaming operator
Progressive network jackpots - paid by the provider (for example, Microgaming, NetEnt), since the fund belongs to them
In local progressive slots - payments can be made by both the casino and the developer, depending on the license and contract
When and how does the jackpot work?
Random trigger - jackpot can be activated regardless of symbols
Combination of characters - a certain rare line (for example, 5 jokers on an active line)
Bonus game - getting into a special round where the player selects cells or spins the wheel
Bet size can affect probability: the higher the bet, the higher the chance of winning the jackpot (but this is not always the rule!)
Honesty and control
All jackpots and slots are certified by independent audit companies:
- RNG (random number generator) determines the outcome
- RTP (Return to Player) takes into account the probability of winnings
- Reliable providers work under licenses: MGA, UKGC, Curacao, etc.
Example of calculation:
Let's say there is a 96% RTP slot, of which:
- 91% - regular winnings
- 3% - goes to the jackpot fund
- 2% - provider margin
If players bet $500,000 per day:
- $15,000 will go into the jackpot
Interesting facts:
- Biggest jackpot ever - $20 + million in Mega Moolah
- Some jackpots fall at the lowest rate, but the chance is significantly lower
- There are jackpots that have been accumulating for years before activation
Conclusion
Jackpot formation is an integral part of the slot machine business model. It's a way to create a dream and motivation to keep playing. Everything is transparent, statistically calculated and controlled.
But the main thing is that the jackpot is not just about money. This is about excitement, expectation, emotions. It is behind this that millions of players return to the slots again and again.
Do you want to know in which slots jackpots most often fall or how to choose a slot with the best chance of skidding? - see our sections with an analysis of popular machines!
